True Stories Book Club: STEM Solutionaries
Learn about science-minded folks who've made a difference! Each week, we read/discuss true stories (nonfiction picture books) about diverse STEM solutionaries—problem-solvers for people, animals, or the planet.
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
OPTIONAL mini book reports & reading log (PDFs included in welcome post, after you enroll)Class Experience
US Grade 1 - 4
FALL IN LOVE WITH TRUE STORIES! In this unique book club, each week I read aloud an engaging true story (narrative nonfiction picture book) about one or more inspiring STEM solutionaries—problem-solvers for people, animals or the planet. Then we have a group discussion about both the book itself (its writing, storytelling, art) and its context in science, history & culture. So, learners engage with ELA, STEM, art & social studies—while enjoying a great story! They also get inspiration on using one’s own talents & passions to solve problems & make a positive difference. BOOKS See all book titles in the syllabus—and learn more in my curated online bookshop (just for this book club): https://bookshop.org/lists/true-stories-book-club-stem-solutionaries TEACHER APPROACH I aim for my classes to be fun & inspiring, safe & inclusive. I expose students to beautiful books, important true stories, and diverse, inspiring people they may not learn about anywhere else. My classes can supplement any curriculum for homeschoolers or after-schoolers. PDFs for mini book reports & a reading log—for optional homework/work samples—are always included in my welcome post after you enroll. WHY TRUE STORIES? True stories (narrative nonfiction books) were my secret super-tool in my eclectic, holistic homeschool. We used these books to learn about changemakers from many walks of life, in many fields, from grades K-8. (And, I loved these books so much I launched a career writing them!) As an author/editor of narrative nonfiction for kids, I can tell you: today’s books are fresh, creative, and fun—not our childhood's bland nonfiction! These books are also heavily vetted by experts & fact-checked for accuracy. Importantly, reading & writing nonfiction are a critical part of K-12 standards across subjects (and life)—so I aim to inspire learners to fall in love with nonfiction!
Learning Goals
• Discover the fascinating stories of real STEM solutionaries• Understand historical & scientific events, eras & context
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
WHOOSH! by Chris Barton
A book my own kids loved about Black NASA engineer Lonnie Johnson's invention of the Super Soaker water gun. We'll talk about his journey of not giving up, all the uses of tinkering, and the book's use of onomatopoeia. 45 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
JOAN PROCTOR, DRAGON DOCTOR by Felicita Sala
A wonderful book about a reptile-loving British girl who grew up to design the reptile house at the London Zoo. We'll talk about gender ideas around reptiles, Joan's work while in a wheelchair, and the book's clever use of alliteration & wordplay. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
PEDAL POWER by Allan Drummond
An inspiring story of how ordinary people (including kids) in Amsterdam stood up to make their city one of the most bicycle-friendly in the world. We'll talk about the impact of air pollution on the planet, how regular people can make a difference, and the interplay of words & art. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
TU YOUYOU'S DISCOVERY by Songju Ma Daemicke
A fascinating book about a science-loving girl in China who grew up to discover a cure for malaria, using her knowledge of both medicine and ancient herbal remedies. We'll talk about the importance of disease research, creative problem-solving, and the author's choice of where to start the story. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I intentionally share stories in my book clubs about all different kinds of people—including people of different races, cultures, faiths, genders, sexualities, abilities, and backgrounds.
I believe in showing kids many wonderful ways to be human!
Some of the picture books I use also gently & age-appropriately touch on tough topics—war, poverty, discrimination, death.
Gently exposing children to such topics—with high-quality, well-vetted books & safe guidance—allows them to develop a sense of the world naturally, and build a scaffolding of knowledge, understanding & compassion.
Supply List
PDFs for optional mini book reports & a reading log are provided in my welcome post, after you enroll (for homework/work samples).
2 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Thoroughly vetted nonfiction picture books from top trade publishers. All books I choose from are here: https://bookshop.org/lists/true-stories-book-club-stem-solutionaries
Occasionally, videos/images of the author, illustrator, or subject of a book we read in class.
Joined March, 2025
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Communications from University of Wisconsin-Madison
Bachelor's Degree from The American University, Washington, D.C.
• Award-winning nonfiction children's book author (30+ books)
• Longtime educator (homeschool & classrooms)
• M.A. in Communication Arts (media history/cultural studies)
• B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (public affairs/journalism) Reviews
Live Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-10
1-10 learners per class
